The Mothers, a short documentary by Leanora Minai

Each month in Durham, North Carolina, a little-known group meets in a room at the public library to share their grief. There’s Diane Jones, whose son grew addicted to drugs and was shot and killed in Durham in 1997. His murder remains unsolved. So unbearable was Diane’s initial pain that she had a fleeting impulse to drive in front of a truck. Sitting with Diane at these monthly meetings is Mina Hampton. Her son was fatally shot while driving home in Durham in 1994. The killer is out of prison. For years, Mina struggled with the question of “what if,” wondering if she could’ve done something to prevent that fateful day. Through their sons' deaths, these two found strength to carry on. Diane and Mina lead the Durham chapter of Parents of Murdered Children, a national support group for families and friends who’ve lost loved ones to violence. To learn more about the film or to arrange a screening for your group or community, please contact Leanora Minai at leanoraminai@gmail.com